The Backroads of Croatia & Slovenia

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Our unique Tour will take you to discover the most beautiful places in Croatia and Slovenia. The charming Zagreb, The Alps and magnificent Lake Bled, Istria – Croatian Tuscany, stunning coastline of the Adriatic, the glorious Dubrovnik are just some of the must see places on this Tour. But, we are taking you beyond the typical tourist barriers, to some hidden gems of these two beautiful countries. ZagrebTours will ensure you the experience of real Croatia and Slovenia.

Our Tour starts in Zagreb, Croatia. Your personal ZagrebTours guide will welcome you at Zagreb Airport and take you to your Hotel where you will spend the first two nights. Spend your afternoon and evening relaxing and acquainting yourself with Croatian capital. Zagreb is a vivid mix of past and present and you will definitely be seduced by its charm. Overnight in Zagreb.

This morning we will take you to experience the unique exploring of Zagreb and its surroundings. We'll reveal you the secrets of the oldest medieval parts of the Upper town. We'll take you to see our Bear Mountain with the medieval fortress Medvedgrad which was always a seat of different noble families. From the highest peak of Zagreb we will enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the area.

We'll also enjoy tasting some of the specialties of the local cuisine. At the end we are taking you to for a nice afternoon walk in a little and picturesque town Samobor which was always a popular excursion site for the people from Zagreb. And yes; Don't forget to try the famous Samobor custard slice. In the evening, we are coming back to Zagreb. We suggest that you relax in one of many Zagreb cafes enjoying a glass of wine or a local beer. Overnight in Zagreb.

Today we are driving from Zagreb to neighboring Slovenia. Our first stop will be Ljubljana, the charming Slovenian capital. We will stroll along the Ljubljanica River where Jason and The Argonauts once fought the vicious dragon. We are going to climb up the Ljubljana Castle and admire the view which is reaching all the way to the Alps which are our next stop. Following the clear blue we are arriving to Lake Bled where we are going to check into a hotel near the lake. We suggest that you spend your afternoon enjoying the amazing views on the high peaks of the Alps. Whether you take a walk around the Lake or visit the old castle above the Lake or enjoy "pletna" boat ride to St. Mary's Island, you will definitely feel like the time has stopped and you are a part of wonderful fairytale. Overnight in Bled.

We'll spend a little bit of this morning relaxing some more on a fresh alpine air and then we head to Postojna, little town famous for the Postojna Cave. This natural wonder, the underground world of caves is filled with spectacular limestone stalactites and stalagmites which form pillars and take on fantastic shapes and forms. We will take a train ride into the heart of the underground fairyland and admire the greatness of the geological history of the Earth. We will end this day back in Croatia, in Rovinj, a pleasant old port and a beautiful coastal town. We will enjoy the stroll along its narrow and cobblestone streets and see the unforgettable panorama of the old town with the bell tower rising above the church of St. Euphemia. Overnight in Rovinj.

Day 5 ROVINJ - GROŽNJAN - MOTOVUN - HUM – OPATIJA After breakfast, we’ll take you to discover the continental part of Istria – the green oasis with many hills, vineyards and quiet medieval hilltop towns like. Its landscape is often compared to the one of Tuscany or Provence. On our Istrian tour we will also try some of the world known specialties of Istrian cuisine. You will just love the truffles, prosciutto, cheese and famous Istrian wines, Malvasia and Teran. The legend says that the giants built some of the most beautiful towns in the continental part of Istria. Each worked on his top hill and one at the time cities emerged: Motovun – the protector of the Mirna Valley; Grožnjan – the town of artists and many others. Having done all the cities, they remained a little more rock and thus created the smallest city in the world - Hum. In Hum, we'll learn about the oldest Croatian script - Glagolitic and try the famous local medicine - Biska. We are ending this day in Opatija - the Queen of Adriatic. After we check in, take the opportunity to walk along the famous promenade with many old villas, splendid parks and gardens. Overnight at the Opatija Rivera.

Day 6 OPATIJA - SENJ - GACKA VALLEY - PLITVICE LAKES Today we leave Opatija and drive the scenic route along the rugged coastline of Northern Adriatic. We will visit ancient Senj, a city known for Uskoks and strong wind – bura. We will visit the fortress Nehaj, from which Uskoks went to many battles against the Turkish and Venetian invaders. Carried by he wind, we slowly leave the coastal part of Croatia for a while and we heading to discover one of the best kept secrets of Croatia - the Plitvice Lakes National Park. We would say, so famous but yet so unspoiled and undiscovered. On our way to the Lakes we will stop at Gacka Valley where emerald Gacka River is stretching along the valley and offering great number of cultural and natural beauties. This clean beauty is among best known trout sites in the world. We will also enjoy some of the known local specialties. Overnight in the Plitvice Lakes area.

Day 7 PLITVICE LAKES - KARLOBAG - PAG ISLAND This morning, we are discovering the natural wonderland of those fairytale lakes. Like sixteen pearls on a necklace the Lakes are falling into each other and forming a never ending beauty. The simple conclusion is: this is really a unique place. We are leaving the Lakes area in the afternoon and driving back to the coastline across the biggest Croatian Mountain, the mighty Velebit. Some of the views on this journey will be simply spectacular. We are ending this day on Pag Island - a stone island of cheese, lace, lamb meat and salt. Overnight on the Pag Island.

Day 8 PAG - NIN - ZADAR Today we are exploring some of the unique of this Island. We will take you to taste some of the best cheese in the world and reveal you why Pag lace is something that Croatia is very proud of. On our way to Zadar, we will stop in Nin – Croatian Bethlehem; the oldest Croatian royal town. Our last stop for today is Zadar – the city of exceptional history and rich cultural heritage. Before we head for a good night sleep, we will show you the amazing sunset by the famous city monument - the Sea Organ. Overnight in Zadar.

Day 9 ZADAR - VRANA LAKE NATURE PARK - ŠIBENIK – SPLIT We are leaving Zadar in the morning and continuing our way further south along the picturesque Dalmatian coastline. We’ll visit the Vrana Lake along the way which is the biggest freshwater natural lake in Croatia and definitely a great natural phenomenon. We will also stop in Šibenik, the oldest autochthonous Croatian town where we’ll visit the unique monument of European sacral architecture – St. Jacobs Cathedral, which has been listed as UNESCO's World Cultural Monument. The Šibenik Cathedral, adorned with 72 stone heads, is the most significant architectural creation in Croatia from 15th and 16th century. In the evening we are arriving to Split where we are going to spend the next two nights. Overnight in Split.

Day 10 SPLIT - TROGIR - SPLIT Today we are visiting Trogir, an old Croatian town first inhabited by Greeks and Romans, is famous for its Romanic and gothic old core with famous Cathedral. We will also stop for a lunch at the traditional Dalmatian Tavern in Trogir and enjoy some of the great local seafood. In the afternoon we coming back to Split. Enjoy the rest of the day by taking a walk through the heart of Split – the famous Split waterfront or Riva where you will feel the friendly and cozy atmosphere of this vibrant city. Overnight in Split.

Day 11 SPLIT - CETINA RIVER CANYON - STON - DUBROVNIK After visiting Split, we are again taking the coastal road and heading towards South part of Dalmatia, to Dubrovnik – the Pearl of Adriatic. On our way to Dubrovnik we will first stop at amazing Cetina River Canyon – a protected landscape where Cetina River has deeply cut into the limestone base thus forming the canyon up to 300 metres deep. We’ll also visit a little town called Ston, on the beginning of the Pelješac peninsula, known for the fortification complex dating from the 14th century and quite unique in its length of 3,5 miles. The Ston area is also known for great seafood especially oysters and muscles which are grown in the Little Ston bay. We won’t miss the opportunity to taste those fruits of the sea depths. In the evening, we will arrive to Dubrovnik and check into our Hotel. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 12 DUBROVNIK This whole day is reserved for exploring and enjoying in our Pearl of Adriatic – the old town Dubrovnik. The great George Bernard Shaw wrote: „Those who seek paradise on Earth must come to Dubrovnik“ and he was as many others overjoyed by the beauty and rich history of this old town under the UNESCO protection. Its glorious walls, with their fortresses and bastions, offer a unique walk with view of the magical Elafiti islands. From the Onofrio fountain to the City bell tower, along its main street, Stradun and in many other small and quiet cobblestone streets, every step in this town will be an experience par excellence. After our walking tour, we are taking you for a lunch in one of Dubrovnik’s taverns. In the afternoon, we invite you to enjoy some more in this beautiful city and to collect more impressions of Dubrovnik. Overnight in Dubrovnik.

Day 13 DUBROVNIK - Departure Our Tour is ending today. Perhaps you are heading straight home, or maybe you are continuing you trip somewhere else. Whichever the case, we hope you will have fond memories of these spend with us.Thank you and Good bye!

Šibenik is Croatian town more than 1000 years old, located in the naturally protected harbor on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea and at the estuary of the Krka River. It was founded as early Croatian fortress at the bottom of St. Michael castle which still dominates the town. Šibenik was mentioned for the first time in 1066 in the document of King Petar Kresimir IV, the most important Croatian ruler. At the entrance to the sea channel you will see the most important renaissance fortress on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea - St. Nicholas' which during the night looks as an amazing alighted island. Šibenik St. James cathedral had been build for a hundred years at the turn of 14 to 15th century and in its architecture we can see both gothic and renaissance style. Šibenik has also a very impressive archipelago among which Kornati are the most famous. The Kornati National Park's 150 islands can provide an unforgettable sailing experience as you anchor at any of the hidden beaches, sandy inlets and tiny ports.

Trogir is the best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic complex not only in the Adriatic, but in all Central Europe. This historical city and port on Adriatic Sea has been included in UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. Trogir has a fascinating 2300 years of continuous urban tradition. Its rich cultural heritage was created under the influence of old Greeks, Romans, and Venetians. Historical city core, with about 10 churches and numerous buildings from 13th century is something you shouldn’t miss. The city gate (17th cent.) and city walls (15th cent.) are pride of Trogir’s citizen and the touristic attractions. Best place, to see spectacular sunsets, is on the cape of small Ciovo Island connected by bridge with Trogir. While sitting on the waterfront enjoy this magic city.

Zagreb has a rich cultural heritage dating from prehistoric ages. The very first findings of human habitants in the area date all the way to the Stone Age, around 35000 B.C. Zagreb arise from two settlements Gradec i Kaptol. Kaptol developed as a spiritual centre, where clergymen were given land to live on, and where they built curies. Somewhat later than the Kaptol settlement, the settlement called Gradec was established on the west side of the Medvescak creek. In 1242 king Bela IV, in order to thank for the shelter and to strengthen the country's defense, gave the habitants of Gradec the Golden Bull. The Golden Bull was the privilege which excludes Gradec from the governor's rule and obliges them only to army duty for the king. Simultaneously, under the influence of the Cistercians, restoration and fortification of Kaptol commenced. The city of Zagreb, with its cultural and historical legacy and significance, is one of the most vital cities in Europe.

National Park Plitvice Lakes is a special geological and hydrological phenomenon. It consists of 16 lakes, which gradually blend into one another in a long series of more than 5000 m. The vast forest areas of exceptional natural beauty, lakes and waterfalls, flora and fauna, mountain air, contrasting colors of autumn or spring, forest trails and wooden bridges are protected by the UNESCO World Natural Heritage. According to legend the Plitvice lakes formed after the terrible long drought. People, animals and plants have yearned and prayed for a drop of water. Then in the valley appeared mysterious Black Queen with her magnificent retinue and mercy to the people. With strong wind and thunder rain came to the ground. It was raining so long and strong, until the water level has not grown enough to create lakes.

Rovinj is located on the west coast of the Istria peninsula and is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Adriatic. Rovinj was inhabited in the prehistoric period - the Bronze and Iron Age. At that time Histria tribe lived there and their culture flourished while they traded with the Greeks and Etruscans. Since the mysterious dawn (13th July 800) when miraculously sailed marble sarcophagus containing the body of St. Euphemia on the Rovinj coast, Rovinj has become associated with this martyr, whose church is nowadays a symbol of the city. In the 18th century the Church of St. Euphemia was built based on the designs of the Venetian architect Giovanni Dozzija. Rovinj is a city you will never forget.

Split is the heart of Dalmatia and the second largest city in Croatia. Split is also a big port, third on the Mediterranean by the number of passengers. The city center is the Palace of Diocletian built in the 4th century.This spectacular palace is the largest and best preserved late antique palace in the world. Legend says that Diocletian's Palace was never just a place to rest for the Emperor Diocletian, but also the facility for processing wool. In the 5th century, in the palace was allegedly poisoned last legitimate Western Roman Emperor Julius Nepos (Romulus Augustus) and the street in Split today bears his name.

Dubrovnik (Ragusa) is a city on the south of Croatia and one of the most important historical and tourist centers. As other six Croatian destinations, Dubrovnik was also in 1979 included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. In the middle ages Dubrovnik was independent Republic of Ragusa, the only city-state on the east coast of the Adriatic rival Venice. The beautiful city walls built from 13 to 17 century are a favorite spot for sightseeing and weddings. Be sure to visit the tower Minceta and Bokar, fortresses St. John and Revelin, Imperial fortress, the Prince's Palace, the Pile gate, the gate of Ploce, the cathedral and the church St. Blaise. Except for its cultural and historical sites, Dubrovnik is inexhaustible source of interesting stories. Tourists love it because it has more than 250 sunny days a year and beautiful preserved beaches.

Opatija is one of the first touristic towns in Croatia. It’s located on the east coast of Istria peninsula and at the foot of the mountain Ucka, Nature Park. Impressively decorated parks and gardens, long promenades, remarkable centuries-old Austrian villas, beautiful beaches and the warm climate are the reasons why tourists come to Opatija, last several centuries. The Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I used to spend in Opatija several months during the winter, because of its incredibly mild micro climate. Opatija is well known for its sculpture Minden with a seagull, which is positioned on a promontory close to the Juraj Sporer art pavilion. Maiden with a seagull is today a symbol of Opatija.

Hum is included in the Guinness book of Record as the smallest city in the world. It has only 23 inhabitants and is situated on the Istria peninsula. Within the city walls this medieval town has two small streets, Church of Mary’s Ascension from 1802 and the Romanesque church of St. Jerome from the 12th century. Hum is famous for its Alley of Glagolitic that includes early monuments of Croatian literacy. Hum’s city gate, through which you enter into the city, is one of the features of the mentioned Alley. If you find yourself in Hum, do not miss the homemade honey brandy.

Motovun is the best preserved medieval fortress of Istria peninsula. It is located on top of the very steep hill and in the foot of the hill flows river Mirna. The town's name is of Celtic origin, derived from the word Montona meaning city in the mountains. The city was built between the 14th and 17th century and it is a typical representative of the Venetian colonial architecture. In Croatia, Motovun is best known for its Motovun Film Festival, held each year at the end of July.

Zadar is a town in northern Dalmatia and its archipelago protect it from the effects of the high seas. Zadar has remains dating from the early Stone Age, while from the Neolithic it has remains of many human settlements. Sights to see in Zadar are - the Church of St. Donat, a city symbol from the early middle ages, Kalelarga, Cathedral of St. Anastasia and city walls from Roman times and middle ages. There are also several new sights not to miss - Sea Organ, differently shaped coast in a few stairs that descend into the sea; installation The Greeting to the Sun with a view of the harbor, islands and sunset; and the Museum of Ancient Glass in you can see more than 2000 glass objects from ancient times.

Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia. It lies on the river Ljubljanica and was built in the Roman settlement Emona in 15 year AD. After the earthquake that destroyed the city in the 16th century, Ljubljana was rebuilt in Renaissance style and after a catastrophic earthquake in the 19th century in neo-classical and art nouveau style. Ljubljana architecture between the two world wars was enriched by the well-known architect Joža Plečnik. The symbol of the city is the dragon, which represents the strength and courage. According to the Greek legend, the Argonauts on their way home after having taken the Golden Fleece found a lake surrounded by a marsh somewhere on the present-day city of Ljubljana. It is there that Jason, main Argonaut, allegedly killed a dragon which then became the symbol of the city.

Bled is a town located on Lake Bled, a few kilometers south of the Austrian border and 50 km northwest of Ljubljana. Its location by the lake and at the foot of the Julian Alps provides excellent opportunities for the summer and winter holidays. Bled amazing position, healthy mountain air and a long swimming season is what attracts many tourists during the whole year. Irresistibly beautiful, clear lake, thousand castle and church are places that are definitely worth the visit.

Postojna is a town and a municipality 35 kilometers from Trieste, in southwestern Slovenia. The area is known to have been populated since the Paleolithic era due to the finding of a cave settlement near the town of Postojna, called "Betalov spodmol". One of Slovenia's major tourist attractions is the Postojna Cave that is a home to the endemic animal olm, the largest troglodytic amphibian in the world. The cave was first described in the 17th century by Janez Vajkard Valvasor. Very close to Postojna is Predjama Castle built in 16th century in the mouth of another Karst cave.

Grožnjan, an ancient town in the northwestern part of Istria, surrounded by the green hills but only fifteen kilometers from the see. A town with long tradition, rich cultural heritage and great natural beauty. Numerous of cultural and historical landmarks serve today as backdrops for cultural manifestations and entertainment.

People can visit different concerts of classical music, a jazz festival, different painting events and great number of exhibitions in numerous galleries around the old core of this city.

This is the place where you can visit the small local churches and enjoy magnificent landscapes and views. Or you can relax in the quiet atmosphere, stay in comfortable apartments and enjoy the traditional hospitality of the local people. This is the place where you can definitely enjoy in excellent local wine, where you can try some homemade brandy and eat great Istrian dishes. Grožnjan has everything for your perfect vacation.